Who should pay for the UK’s public EV charging network?
As the UK transitions towards net zero, the question of who should pay for public electric vehicle (EV) charging is becoming just as important as where chargers are installed.
In a new article in Public Sector Focus (July/August 2025 issue), Labib Azzouz and Hannah Budnitz, argue that public investment should be carefully targeted, with local charging hubs in residential areas, at workplaces and in community destinations providing the greatest social and environmental benefit. These sites serve lower-income households, drivers without off-street parking, and professional drivers who need reliable access.
By contrast, motorway charging stations, which cater mainly to long-distance travel and higher-income drivers, are commercially attractive and already seeing strong private investment. While still important to the wider charging network, they may not require the same level of public subsidy.
Labib Azzouz said: “Local charging hubs aren’t just convenient — they are a lifeline for drivers without off-street parking and for those on lower incomes. Public funding here delivers the biggest social and environmental return.”
Hannah Budnitz added: “Motorway services will always matter for long trips, but they’re attractive to private investors. To create a fair transition, public money should be focused where it makes the most difference — in our neighbourhoods and communities.”
The researchers conclude that prioritising funding for local infrastructure is key to achieving an equitable EV transition, reducing emissions, and improving air quality in neighbourhoods across the UK.
Read the full article in Public Sector Focus: Plugging the gap: who should pay for the UK’s public charging network?
